Reinstating Texas A&M University bonfire would disparage memory of those we lost | Opinion

Texas A&M University is unique for many reasons; its distinctive culture permeates every aspect of its existence. At the core of its culture is the courage to always do what is right regardless of opinion or consequences. While traditions are revered at A&M, those traditions can never supersede the dignity we accord every member of our community.

The effort to reinstate the bonfire tradition would disparage the memory of those students who lost their lives, including those who suffered enduring injuries, and it would tarnish the culture of Texas A&M University.

What is the appropriate memorial for the loss of twelve young, brilliant lives? Perhaps in this case it is declaring that no amount of time erases that loss. Redemption is a powerful force, but it must have a powerful purpose. Simply reinstating a symbol of sports rivalry does not carry that power; in fact, it trivializes those twelve tragic deaths and deprives them of their basic dignity and the meaning of what they would have accomplished had they lived.

The reinstatement of the traditional Thanksgiving football game between UT and A&M is rousing, but the game can be played without demeaning our values and disrespecting those we’ve lost.

Powell is a former Chairman of the Board of the Texas A&M University System.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Reinstating Texas A&M bonfire would disparage memory of those we lost